Meghalaya Tourism Secretary R.M. Kurbah has stated that the proposed Shillong Ropeway project has secured the necessary clearances. The project will require the felling of 544 trees, with compensatory plantation planned elsewhere at ten times the number of trees removed.
The statement comes amid continued opposition from the Joint Action Committee (JAC), which has raised concerns over public consultation and the project’s potential environmental impact.
The committee has set an October 26 deadline for the Meghalaya government to scrap the project, warning of intensified agitation if its demand is not met.
Speaking after a meeting with JAC members, Kurbah said the government had explained the project’s Detailed Project Report (DPR), its scope and the clearances obtained from various authorities.
She said the project had received No Objection Certificates from the Forest Department, Airport Authority, Air Force and Indian Army, along with other necessary approvals.
Addressing concerns over tree felling, Kurbah said compensatory plantation had been planned at another location because there was insufficient space within Lum Shalom to plant the replacement trees.
However, the JAC continues to demand that the project be scrapped or relocated, citing potential damage to forests, hills and water sources. The committee has also questioned whether the concerns of affected residents have been adequately addressed through public consultation.
With the October 26 deadline approaching, the dispute over the ropeway’s location, environmental impact and public consultation remains unresolved.